Staff Flight Test Engineer, Unmanned Air Vehicles

Costa Mesa · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00) · USD 166,000-220,000 · 12+ years experience · Posted Sep 22, 2026

At a glance

The Staff Flight Test Engineer will focus on the developmental testing of a new Group 5 Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAS).
This role involves owning and supporting the planning, coordination, execution, and reporting of all facets of the test program.

Perform senior-level, development flight test engineer activities for the Fury UAS.
Lead or participate in teams of flight test engineers, functional engineers, and program representatives.
Conduct ground and flight test events at private and government-owned test ranges.
Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
Work with Engineering to develop requirements and discuss test results.
Perform initial issue investigation and process improvement.
Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

12+ years of experience as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft, weapons, or missile systems.
Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent engineering experience.
Test engineering experience with manned or unmanned aircraft including requirements development, planning, execution, and reporting.
Experience in aero/performance, loads/dynamics, propulsion, or electrical engineering.
Understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory.
Working knowledge of MIL-STD-882E, MIL-STD-516C, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, and AS5653.
Expertise in the National Airspace System, government restricted airspace, and UAS operating rules.
Experience with large aircraft development and working with the Department of Defense (DoD).
Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Prior experience with software code/script building using Go, Java, C++, Python, or JavaScript.
Experience managing individuals or teams.
Experience with large UAS development.
Previous experience working within a Combined Test Force or equivalent.